The Azteca Stadium, in Mexico City, will host this Thursday (11) the opening match of the 2026 World Cup between the teams of Mexico and South Africa. The duel marks the beginning of the biggest edition in the history of the tournament, with 48 teams and 104 games played in three countries.
The Azteca will become the first stadium in the world to host games in three different World Cups: 1970, 1986 and now 2026. Furthermore, it will be the third time it has opened the tournament, an unprecedented feat.
The stadium, opened in 1966, has hosted 19 World Cup matches over the two previous editions. With the five games scheduled for 2026, the total will rise to 24, further consolidating its position as the stage with the most matches in the history of the World Cup.
Azteca games in the 2026 World Cup
- Mexico x South Africa (group A) – June 11
- Uzbekistan x Colombia (group K) – June 17
- Czechia x Mexico (group A) – June 24
- 1st in Group A x one of the best third-placed teams (32nd round of 32) – June 30
- Round of 16 – July 5th
The opening clash repeats the opening game of the 2010 World Cup, in South Africa, which ended in a 1-1 draw, with a great goal from Tshabalala for the Africans. Mexico enters as favorite at home, counting on the support of the fans and the altitude of Mexico City.
After renovations that cost more than R$1 billion and lasted around 671 days, Azteca gained a hybrid pitch, structural improvements and an updated capacity for around 83,000 to 87,000 fans. The place also has naming rights with the Banorte bank.
The stadium carries a history rich in iconic moments. In 1970, it hosted the final in which Pelé’s Brazil beat Italy 4-1 and won their third title. In 1986, he saw Diego Maradona’s Argentina beat West Germany 3-2 and lift the cup. The Azteca also hosted the epic semi-final between Italy and West Germany in 1970, known as “The Game of the Century”.
The choice of Azteca for the opening reinforces Mexico’s importance as one of the host countries for the 2026 World Cup, alongside the United States and Canada. The tournament promises to be the most geographically distributed and the largest ever held.
